Setmelanotide (Imcivree) is the first precision medicine for genetic obesity. Unlike general anti-obesity drugs, it targets a specific molecular pathway — the melanocortin pathway — and is only effective in patients with identified genetic mutations. It represents a paradigm shift toward genotype-guided obesity treatment.
Dosage Information (Research Use)
Adults: titrate from 1mg to 3mg SC once daily. Pediatrics ≥6 years: 1mg to 3mg based on weight. Prescription only for genetically confirmed obesity.
Reconstitution & Handling
Multi-dose vial — no reconstitution.
Half-Life & Pharmacokinetics
~11 hours
Reported Observations in Literature
Injection site reactions (45%), skin hyperpigmentation (34%), spontaneous penile erection in males (18%), GI disturbances. Pigmentation effect due to MC1R cross-activation.
Key Research References
- Clément K et al. “MC4R agonism promotes durable weight loss in patients with leptin receptor deficiency.” Nat Med. 2018;24:551-555